Acidity of Carbonic Acid

The acidity of an acid depends upon its pH and pKa value. The pKa value of carbonic acid is 6.35, and the pKa value of a compound is inversely proportional to the acidity of the compound. Hence, carbonic acid having a high pKa value is termed under weak acid. Also, the pH range of carbonic acid is 4.68 for 1 mmol/L, 4.18 for 10 mmol/L, and 3.68 for 100 mmol/L, which also shows that carbonic acids are moderately weak acids.

Carbonic Acid (H2CO3)

Carbonic Acid is an inorganic, weak, and unstable acid. The molecule of Carbonic Acid consists of one carbon atom, two hydrogen atoms, and three oxygen atoms. Carbonic Acid is also referred to as a respiratory acid as it is the only acid that is exhaled in the gaseous state by human lungs.

Carbonic acid is studied majorly in various fields of science because of its vast applications and uses. It helps improve marine life due to its natural process of ocean acidification. It is essential for the human body as well. Further in this article, we will learn more about carbonic acids, their structure, their properties, and their uses.

Table of Content

  • What is Carbonic Acid?
  • Formula of Carbonic Acid
  • Structure of Carbonic Acid
  • Preparation of Carbonic Acid
  • Properties of Carbonic Acid

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What is Carbonic Acid?

Carbonic acid is a chemical compound made of carbon dioxide, oxygen, and hydrogen as its elements. It is a weak acid with the chemical formula H2CO3. It is formed when carbon dioxide is dissolved in water. Carbonic acid is a diprotic acid, which means it can form two types of salts: carbonate and bicarbonate. Carbonic Acid is also known as dihydrogen carbonate (because it is made of two hydrogen atoms and a carbonate ion), aerial acid (or acid of air), Oxidocarboxylic acid, Hydroxyformic acid, etc....

Formula of Carbonic Acid

Chemical formula of Carbonic acid is H2CO3...

Structure of Carbonic Acid

Carbonic acid consists of a carboxyl functional group along with a hydroxyl group. The structure of carbonic acids consists of one carbon-oxygen double bond and further, this carbon is single bonded with two hydroxyl groups (OH). The structure of carbonic acid is shown below:...

Preparation of Carbonic Acid

When strong acid reacts with calcium carbonate, carbon dioxide gas is evolved which when dissolved in water, Carbonic acid is formed. When carbon dioxide reacts with water molecules the following reaction takes place:...

Properties of Carbonic Acid

Carbonic acid has a variety of properties which are classified into physical and chemical properties. The physical and chemical properties of carbonic acid are described below:...

Acidity of Carbonic Acid

The acidity of an acid depends upon its pH and pKa value. The pKa value of carbonic acid is 6.35, and the pKa value of a compound is inversely proportional to the acidity of the compound. Hence, carbonic acid having a high pKa value is termed under weak acid. Also, the pH range of carbonic acid is 4.68 for 1 mmol/L, 4.18 for 10 mmol/L, and 3.68 for 100 mmol/L, which also shows that carbonic acids are moderately weak acids....

Uses of Carbonic Acid

Carbonated Drinks: Carbonic acid provides the fizzy and bubbly taste in carbonated drinks like sparkling water, sodas, soft drinks, beer, champagne and other carbonated beverages Buffering System: Carbonic acid acts as a buffer system in human bodies which helps in maintaining the pH balance in the blood. pH regulation: Carbonic acid is also useful in regulating the pH level of water in swimming pools and in regulating pH balance in various other industrial processes. Medicinal uses: It is used in medications to balance acid-base levels in the body and in ointments to treat various fungal infections like ringworm. It is also consumed to induce vomiting (when required). pH indicator: Carbonic acid is used as a pH indicator to check whether the solution is acidic or basic. Precipitation: Carbonic acid is used as a solvent in the precipitation of various ammonium salts like ammonium persulfate. Cleansing agent: Carbonic acid is also used as a cleaning agent to clean contact lenses....

Carbonic Acid – FAQs

1. What is Carbonic Acid?...

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